First Board

[MidAtlanticNovice]

I went to a local shop near me, and I was given a few options... was just wondering what you guys thought of them. When I told the person helping me I was on an 8 foot soft board at the moment, he did recommend an 8 foot hard board, as transitioning to a hard board is different enough without implementing a size change.

Unfortunately, their shop doesn't have any 8 foot boards in stock... What they did have (in the general range) was a 7'6 Modern Love Child, and a 7'6 Element. I thought it was kind of funny they were both the same size... Perhaps everyone likes to snatch up the slightly larger boards. The rep did say I could probably handle it, but you never know if they're just trying to sell a board.

The Modern Love Child interests me a little bit as it has so many options to play around with for the fins, but I looked around online and it's not available in an 8' version. Nor is it constructed with epoxy, so I imagine it's less durable?

They did say I could order a 8' blackbird as they had a few en route... but it would probably be another week. Which is definitely fine by me. The reason I'd want to go with the blackbird is mainly due to the fact the board is probably more durable than the love child. The size being a major factor as well. However, looking at the board online it appears there are a few options for their construction... if they have both x1 and x2, which one should I go for?

I did go in expecting to find a used board, but all of those were performance boards unfortunately...

Anywho, there are other shops I could search and I may hit up another one tomorrow. I was curious about initial impressions though, would an 8' blackbird be a relatively decent first board?

Obligatory: 6'1, 160 pounds.

Thanks again!

[dtc]

At 160lb you possibly could get away with a 7'6 if you wanted a bit more of a challege, but I think the Love Child is a slightly more advanced/harder board to surf than the Blackbird (if only because of the tail)

The Blackbird is a fine choice. I think the X2 is probably 'the better' construction, but its also a lot more expensive. the X1 is a fairly basic construction, but that doesnt mean it isnt tough. Possibly its less 'responsive', but (to be honest) you wont notice that anyway. And maybe slightly heavier, but not by enough to care (and it will be lighter than a PU board anyway). Since its your first board, that means high chance of damage - if you are flush with funds then go the X2, but otherwise the X1 will be an entirely suitable and worthwhile choice